The More Time You Spend in the Forest, the More You’ll Want to Save It—Here’s Why

As a certified forest therapy guide, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how time spent in nature can heal—not just the body, but the mind and soul too. And one of the most beautiful, yet unexpected outcomes of these healing sessions is this: the more time you spend in the forest, the more you feel a deep urge to protect it.

Whether you’re someone seeking calm, trying to manage anxiety, or just craving the peace that comes from being outdoors, you’ve probably noticed that there’s something unique about being in the forest. It’s as if the trees speak to you in a way words never could. Let me walk you through how and why forest therapy not only heals but also creates a bond that leads you to become a passionate advocate for the natural world.

Immersing Yourself in the Forest: The First Step Toward Healing

Forest Therapy, Forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is the practice of spending intentional, mindful time in nature—taking in all the sights, sounds, and scents the forest has to offer. I remember my first experience with forest therapy. A friend suggested that I read a book that outlined some Forest Bathing techniques. Next, I decided to take a walk in the woods as a way to "recharge" as the book suggested. At first, I thought it was a bit silly. How could a walk in the forest make any difference?

But as soon as I stepped into the forest, I felt the stress of daily life fade and my mind slowed down. There was something about the air, so fresh and clean, that made me take a deep breath, as if I hadn’t truly breathed in ages. The trees around me seemed alive, their leaves rustling gently in the wind. I couldn’t help but slow down, to breathe in rhythm with the world around me. It was transformative.

This was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with nature. The first step to feeling more connected with the forest—and later, feeling the need to protect it—was as simple as just being there, fully present.

The Healing Connection Between Us and Nature

You may already know that time spent in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. But did you know that something deeper happens when we immerse ourselves in the forest?

As I continued to practice forest therapy, I began to notice a shift in how I felt about the natural world. There was a sense of connection that went beyond the physical benefits. Every tree, every bird call, every breeze through the leaves began to feel like an intimate conversation. I started noticing things I hadn’t before: the way the sunlight filtered through the branches, the different shades of green, and even the subtle shifts in temperature as I moved deeper into the forest. These weren’t just external experiences; they were emotional connections I hadn’t realized I needed.

Over time, I began to feel that the forest wasn’t just a place to visit; it was a living entity that I was part of. It was like learning to listen to a language I hadn’t known existed.

Ecological Empathy: From Personal Healing to Global Awareness

As I spent more time in forests, I noticed something interesting: my sense of empathy for the environment grew stronger. I began to understand how fragile the ecosystems around me were, and I couldn’t ignore the threats they faced. I vividly remember a forest I used to visit regularly. One summer, I arrived to find several trees cut down, their stumps stark against the ground. The sadness I felt was overwhelming—not just because of the loss of those trees, but because I felt personally affected by their absence. The forest that had healed me was now in danger.

This is where ecological empathy comes in. It’s the ability to feel deeply for the environment, to care about its well-being, and to see the interconnectedness between our actions and the world around us. Through forest therapy, this empathy grows naturally. When you’ve spent time in the forest and have felt its healing benefits, you start to see how your actions can protect or harm that healing space.

Forest therapy opens our eyes to the delicate balance of life. It makes us more aware of what’s at stake when we talk about deforestation, climate change, and pollution. And it’s this awareness that turns into a deep desire to protect the natural spaces that nurture us.

What We Learn from Trees: The Teachers of the Forest

Let me share one of my favorite quotes:

“If you seek strength, and majesty, and patience, welcome the company of trees.” - unknown

If you’ve ever spent time with an old, towering tree, you’ve likely felt its presence—grounded, strong, and unwavering. Trees have a lot to teach us, and spending time in their company can shift our perspective. One of my favorite experiences during forest therapy is a quiet moment spent simply sitting under a tree, feeling its bark, breathing deeply, and just “listening” to the energy around me. It’s a grounding experience, almost as though the tree is imparting its wisdom.

Take the ancient redwoods, for example. These majestic trees have been standing for thousands of years, weathering storms, fires, and changes in the landscape. The way they grow together in groves—each one relying on the others for support—is a reminder of the importance of community and resilience. Trees remind us that survival and healing come from connection, whether it’s with each other, our communities, or the planet itself.

When you spend enough time with these “teachers,” you start to understand that protecting the forest is not just about saving trees—it’s about preserving a system of life that nurtures everything from the soil beneath our feet to the wildlife in the canopy above.

Why Forest Therapy Inspires Us to Protect the Forest

The more time you spend in the forest, the more you feel its importance in your life. After experiencing the healing effects firsthand, it’s hard not to feel a sense of urgency to protect these spaces. I often hear from my clients, particularly those who’ve undergone transformative experiences through forest therapy, that they feel a deep, personal responsibility to advocate for the environment. They’ve felt what it’s like to experience peace, calm, and healing in nature—and now, they want to ensure others have that same opportunity.

A few years ago, I participated in a reforestation project. A nature organization sent me 10 tree saplings for planting. It was a simple act—planting a few saplings around my house—but it felt incredibly powerful. The act of physically restoring the environment was a natural extension of the healing I’d experienced in the forest. Now, I walk through the yard and admire my “planted grove”. Seeing the trees growing tall and strong, I feel a sense of accomplishment that I had helped provide a natural landscape for future generations.

Practical Ways to Deepen Your Connection to Nature

Now that you’ve felt the power of the forest, how can you continue to build your connection to it—and make a positive impact on the planet? Here are a few simple ideas:

Practice Regular guided Forest Bathing: Frequent visits to the forest with a Forest Therapy guide can deepen your bond with nature. Take time to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and pay attention to the sounds and sights around you.
Join Environmental Groups: Support organizations that work on forest conservation or participate in local clean-ups or tree-planting events. The more connected you feel, the more you’ll want to get involved.
Support Sustainable Products and Practices: From the food you eat to the products you use, supporting eco-friendly companies helps protect the natural world.
Advocate for Forest Conservation: Spread awareness about the importance of forests, and support policies that protect forests locally and globally.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The forest offers us more than just beauty and serenity; it offers healing, wisdom, and a deep sense of belonging. The more time you spend in the forest, the more you realize how intertwined your well-being is with the health of the environment. Forest therapy doesn’t just make us feel better—it opens our hearts to the urgent need to preserve the very places that give us peace.

When you’ve felt the transformative power of the forest, how can you not want to protect it?

The More Time You Spend in the Forest, the More You’ll Want to Save It—Here’s Why